Kim Michele Richardson is the New York Times, and Los Angeles Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, which the modern-day book lady Dolly Parton devoured and recommended, and The Book Woman's Daughter. Kim Michele writes about the brave historical Pack Horse librarians of Kentucky and especially loves writing about her beloved Kentucky, its history, traditions, and people. She believes books are powerful knowledge that can change lives and open wider windows to our world--and that libraries are neighborhood cornerstones where librarians play an important role in every society, providing vital safe havens and multifarious community treasures and lifelines for everyone. Kim Michele is a native-born Kentuckian and resides in Kentucky with her family. David Gardner is an award-winning illustrator and visual development artist. Before going freelance, he was an artist for several animation studios, including Walt Disney Animation Studios. His work has appeared in magazines, including Cricket and Cobblestone, and he has illustrated numerous picture books, including the historical biographies The Harvey Milk Story and Sarah Gives Thanks. A longtime member of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators, Mr. Gardner teaches illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design. To learn more about his work, please visit him at FlyingDogStudio.com.